If you have a couple of hours free this weekend, you can do a quick check of your home for sources of heat loss. It doesn’t take much time to identify and fix these common issues, and the savings can really add up.
Check your furnace filter. Not only is a dirty furnace air filter a top reason for furnace failure, it's also a huge drain on your electricity. When the filter is clogged, the air handler has to work harder to draw air into the system.
Heat vents often build up dust and debris over the years. Cleaning the grates will allow for better air flow. Grates can also become disconnected from the run that delivers warm air. Sealing it with foil backed tape ensures hot air gets into the room and isn't lost in the floorboards or walls.
Buy an insulating blanket for your water heater (unless it's a newer model that already comes with built-in insulation). These can reduce energy use by up to 10 percent. Also turn the water heater down to 120 degrees. For every 10 degrees you drop the water heater temperature your water-heating bill can drop up to 5 percent.
Insulate your hot water delivery lines. Adding foam pipe insulation to your hot water lines allows you to keep the water heater temperature down and still get hot water at the tap.
Do an outdoor inspection. Check your foundation and siding for cracks, rotten wood or gaps that can be sealed. Areas around pipes and outlets are prime areas for heat loss. Sometimes the insulation that was originally there has shrunk, split or been damaged over time.
Get on the roof and check your shingles. If some are missing, check your attic to see if there's any water damage. Replace the shingles to prevent any snow or ice damage.
Check around your windows and doors. You can use an incense stick and watch the smoke for movement that reveals air leaks. If you find leaks, grab some caulk and seal up the area.
For more ways to prevent heat loss in your Fort Wayne area home this winter, please contact us at Hartman Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat loss and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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